MPS urge Ofcom to intervene in BBC regional news cuts

OFCOM has been asked to investigate BBC cuts to regional news services as MPS called for action before “irreparable” steps were taken.

The broadcaster is planning a shakeup of regional TV news and local radio in England, cutting 450 jobs.

In a letter to Ofcom, MPS called for a response from the regulator and claimed that “local and regional news would appear to be taking a disproportionate share of the cuts being made by the BBC management”.

“In particular, we want to know whether you consider that the BBC is acting in accordance with its mission and purpose,” the letter stated, regarding the changes to local and regional news and current affairs.

The letter was sent by Damian Collins, former chair of the digital, culture, media and sport committee, and signed by other MPS in the South East.

The broadcaster has said that BBC

England – which has more than 3,000 staff – must save £25million by April 2022.

The changes will mean one instead of two presenters fronting the 6.30pm regional TV news bulletins.

Inside Out, the current affairs magazine show made in 11 different regions, will be cancelled and replaced with a new investigative journalism programme from six areas.

A “simplified schedule” introduced on local radio during the pandemic, with one instead of two presenters and a reduction in the number of shows, will become permanent.

A spokesman said: “Given what the BBC has to save, difficult decisions are being made across the corporation.

“Local and regional programming is in our DNA, but new technologies and ways of working mean we can also operate more efficiently while still providing the quality service that viewers, listeners and readers have come to expect from our services.”